Steven Seagal is an American actor, screenwriter, producer, musician, and an avid Russian supporter. Despite the ongoing war, Seagal has been a prolific ally of the nation. On the other hand, there is Morgan Freeman, one of the greatest actors Hollywood has seen. Despite his humanitarian and charitable initiatives and being labeled as a ‘well-known actor’ he has been permanently banned by the Kremlin from entering the country.
While Steven Seagal gets royal Russian hospitality, his contemporary Freeman has a lifetime ban, entering the list of some 1,000 personalities banned from the country.
While Seagal Enjoys Hospitality, Morgan Freeman Permanently Banned By Russia
Days ahead of the Russian aggression and invasion of Ukraine began, the foreign minister of the country released a list of ‘people banned from the country permanently’. Among the 962 names, including some very influential ones like Mark Zuckerberg, Hilary Clinton, Kamala Harris, and Joe Biden, the list also included the illustrious Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman.
Best known for his impeccable acting and his charitable and activist work, Freeman was placed on the list for allegedly accusing the nation of conspiracy against the United States of America. In the statement released by the Kremlin, it was stated,
“In the context of responding to the constantly imposed anti-Russian sanctions by the United States and in connection with incoming requests about the personal composition of our national “stop list”, the Russian Foreign Ministry publishes a list of American citizens who are permanently banned from entering the Russian Federation. We emphasize that the hostile actions taken by Washington, which boomerang against the United States itself, will continue to receive a proper rebuff.”
Meanwhile, Seagal was recently awarded a state award from the Russian President himself for his humanitarian work. Steven Seagal was also, in 2016, honored with Russian citizenship by Putin.
Why Has Russia Banned Morgan Freeman?
Back in 2017, the Oscar-winning star narrated a promotional video for The Committee to Investigate Russia. Directed by Rob Reiner (who is also banned from the state), the video accused Putin’s government of interference with the US democracy and the presidential elections of 2016.
“We have been attacked. We are at war… My fellow Americans, during this past election, we came under attack by the Russian government.”
The Hollywood legend can be heard saying as he urged Congress to thoroughly investigate the matter. The video was labeled as allegedly spreading Russophobia and called the actor a Russophobic.
Source: Deadline
